The study of 1,000 IT decision makers and 1,000 employees, conducted by Harris Interactive, found that 83% of staff would stop using their own device or still use it with deep concern, if they knew their employer could see what they were doing at all times. With 61% of enterprises already having this level of access in place, and with a need to increase control to address growing security threats - organisations could face a backlash in their employees’ willingness to adopt BYOD.
Gareth Maclachlan, Chief Commercial Officer, AdaptiveMobile comments: "Over 75% of enterprises surveyed were unable to meet 8 out of 10 of their current top security requirements; when this is combined with the fact that only 11% of employees are aware of the current level of enterprise control over their device, it is imperative that other ways of delivering mobile protection are considered. Without a new approach to mobile security, employers risk losing the savings they would accrue with BYOD remaining responsible for providing the devices and connectivity to all employees.”
There is also a clear disconnect between employee awareness of employer policies - 91% of businesses believe they have policies in place to protect against mobile security breaches but almost half (48%) of employees already using their own device, are unaware these policies exist.
This growing chasm between employer and employee has created the opportunity for a new approach to enterprise security - with over 75% of employees endorsing their operator as being able to bridge the gap and protect both parties. Employers agree, with 72% stating they would buy a Mobile Security Management service from their operator, and 65% saying they would switch operators to get an effective solution.
Maclachlan concludes: “To prevent employees rejecting BYOD and maintaining control over their personal device and usage, a solution is needed that maintains user privacy, whilst also keeping the enterprise free from exposure. A hosted security service, delivered via operators, would give employees peace-of-mind that their own usage is protected, whilst still giving enterprise administrators complete control over corporate access, usage and integrity.”